- NEW!
by Mavericks just doin a flyby on October 27th, 2009
Your really don't have to say anything. Just be there for her.
by Anonymous on November 24th, 2009
Just litsen
by Wind in the Willow on October 27th, 2009
I think a lot of listening may also be in order. Take a few classes dealing with friends of cancer victims offered many times in the hospitals themselves. A few group meeetings and a few films on how to use tools to deal with the situation would do wonders for you.
by Anonymous on October 27th, 2009
If she brings it up, ask her if she wants to talk about it. Tell her you're there for her. It depends what your friendship is like, if you're generally very open and feel she might appreciate it, ask her if there's anything you can do or say that might be of some comfort. Let her know you won't abandon her.
by trouble315 on October 27th, 2009
Let her lead the conversation. Often, when people receive devastating news, they don't want answers. They just want to know that people are willing to listen.
by MYTOES on December 8th, 2009
Encourage her. Tell her you love her. Send a card to her every week or couple of days to encourage her and give her hope. Be a good friend.
by spock's brain on December 2nd, 2009
As with most responses, I agree that the best thing you can do is listen.
.
One other point though. May hit by such news understandably can sink into depression and despair, self recriminations, feelings of hoplesness.
.
When this happens, our instincts are to argue against this, to try to prove that there is hope, life after cancer etc.
.
It is my understanding that this is usually counterproductive.
.
If anyone tries to convicne us, it is our nature to try and argue our side fo the issue, so trying to disprove the negative thoughts can actually strengthen them.
.
For more on how you can help, why not call a crisis hotline where you can get more professinal advice on how to best help.
.
Good luck to your friend and to you to find the strength and wisdom to help her!
by Big Red on December 1st, 2009
Just reassure her that your there for her , need it be a meal to cook or running up to the store for anything she might need.... to just a phone call. your gonna be there no matter what. And that she means the world to you, and that your there when ever she needs a shoulder.
by SIR_Anony is now SIR_Anthony on October 27th, 2009
Try to talk her out of chemo and go organic, homeopathic, and start juicing everything. Doctors gave my mother 3 month to live. She did radiation, and had surgery for her cancer and refused chemo. My mother is in remission and is still alive and very active in the care of my grandson/her great grandson. :)
by Krumple on November 24th, 2009
hopefully she didn't vote for obama, because that chimp wants to tell doctors that breast cancer doesn't exist except when women are older than 50. And when they are 70, they're too old to get treatment and should just take a pain pill and stfu.
Will a chlorine generator cause green hair?
by Answerbag Staff on August 5th, 2010
| 1 person likes this
How much sick time do travel nurses have?
by Answerbag Staff on August 4th, 2010
| 1 person likes this
How are primary and vesicular follicles different?
by Answerbag Staff on August 3rd, 2010
| 1 person likes this
The Republican who was a new Komen VP and spearheaded the drive to pull funding from Planned Parenthood resigned. What took her so long?
by RosieGHM Jetpacker on February 7th, 2012
| 1 person likes this
Will you continue to support the Susan G. Komen Foundaton, knowing it is held hostage by Planned Parenthood?
by More2Be on February 3rd, 2012
| 2 people like this
You're reading A dear friend of mine has just been diagnosed with breast cancer, and will have a mastectomy next week, possibly followed with chemo. What can I say?
Your favorite Q&A site is on Facebook! Become a fan to connect with the ever-growing community of Answerbaggers, share your thoughts and find out what Answerbag's up to next!
Comments
Thanks. That's nice enough, but she's in Iowa (with her husband, another dear friend -- this is not a romantic thing of mine), and I'm in Connecticut. So I can't be 'there' for them; I have to be here.
by Cyanotic Wasp on October 27th, 2009
Sorry to hear that. That's goota be tough. Just let her know you are there for an ear bending if need be.
by Mavericks just doin a flyby on October 27th, 2009